James Gooselaw
November 9, 1934 ~ August 19, 2021
James' Live Streamed Memorial Service can be viewed below:
James A. Gooselaw Jr., 86, Detroit Lakes, MN died Thursday, August 19th 2021 at Ecumen Emmanuel in Detroit Lakes, MN. Jim was born in St. Vincent, MN on November 9th, 1934 to James and Iona (Kocian) Gooselaw. He grew up in St.Vincent and East Grand Forks, and attended high school at St. James Academy in Grand Forks.
Jim served in the US Army 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper from 1956 to 1958, receiving an honorary discharge in 1962. Following his military service, he worked on the railroad for 9 years based out of Fargo and Grand Forks ND.
In 1961 Jim moved to Fargo and enrolled at Josef’s School of Hair Design. While at Josef’s, he met his loving wife of 57 years, Lorraine Grabanski. They were united in marriage in Warsaw, ND on October 17th 1964.
Jim and Lorraine resided in South Moorhead, and together enjoyed a long hairdressing career in the Fargo-Moorhead area- owning and operating Jim & Lorraine’s Beauty Shop, The Witches Hut, and Mane Impressions salons.
Jim was an avid bowler and golfer, playing in many leagues and tournaments over the years at both The Bowler and Sunset Lanes, and enjoying many rounds with his large group of close and loyal friends at various courses in the area, especially Town & Country Golf course, Edgewood and Hawley Golf Club.
In 1998, Jim and Lorraine moved full-time to their home on Lake Sallie in Detroit Lakes. Jim enjoyed his retirement years on the lake by surrounding himself with many remodeling and landscaping projects, pontoon trips across the “tram” in the pontoon, and entertaining friends and family.
Jim is survived by his wife Lorraine Gooselaw (Grabanski), Sons Guy (Ann) Gooselaw, Brett (Rose) Gooselaw, Grandchildren Ashley and Logan Gooselaw, and Alexandra Swanson. Sister Margaret (Ronald) Cleem, brothers-in-law Larry and Harold Grabanski, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, neighbors, and friends in Detroit Lakes and the Fargo-Moorhead area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Iona (Gooselaw/Kocian), Stepmother Terry Gooselaw (Rondeau), Brother Donald Gooselaw, and sister Mary Jane Barsness.
A memorial service will be held at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo on Monday, August 23rd with visitation beginning at 12:00pm and service beginning at 2:00pm. A luncheon will follow.
The family of James Gooselaw would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Ecumen Emmanuel in Detroit Lakes and Hospice of the Red River Valley.
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I haven’t visited with you and Jim for quite a while. I remember our days of cathching up at Randy’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So Sad to see this. Such good friends of my parents Herb and Cathy Daul. Many good memories at the curling club with these too.My thoughts and prayers to you Lorraine and family.
Sincerely Marlene (Daul) Beck
Deepest sympathy Lorraine and family. My mother, Pat T., was a friend of Lorraine’s back in the day and enjoyed both. A lot of laughs and never a dull moment. Prayers to you during this time.
Lorraine & boys , so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.. He was one of the kindest men I knew ! Always there with a helping hand & words of wisdom ☺️. Lorraine , you & Jim were the best bosses I ever had !! Sure miss those old days !!
Praying that all the happy, special memories you have of him help ease the pain in your hearts ♥️
Terry & Karin Johnson & kids
Jim was my mother’s hair stylist for decades. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Gooselaw and family.
So sorry to hear of your loss.May the memories be a comfort for you all.
Prayers for Lorraine, Guy, Bret & their families! Soo many fond memories from Moorhead Vics, to the lakes with the trailor houses, and building lake homes, Eagles bingo, and after the boys golf parties! Special friends forever! Love to you all from Gloria 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Lorraine and family—- Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to all.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you !!
I am sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You guys were both such dear friends of my parents Fran and PeeWee Scott. I was fortunate to be a part of your many social gatherings. You were fabulous, positive, role models for any kid who was lucky enough be in in your presence. Although his absence will leave a hole in your heart, I hope you can take comfort knowing that Jim and PeeWee, have already set up a great game of cards! Pretty sure there is some beer in Heaven too. Hugs to you Lorraine and the entire family. ~ Shannon Charpentier
Lorraine I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I have many memories visiting you & Jim in Moorhead & at Lake Sallie. Love you
Avis Collette Lessard
Such good memories of our times with Jim and Lorraine. Wonderful, fun hosts!! Especially the trip to Lake Sallie with Ken making dumplings; Linda, Mary Jane, Margaret, my Mom….so many laughs. We will miss our cousin Jim. Our sympathy to Lorraine and the boys and families. Love you all. Jackie and Larry.
Mary Jane was my mom!
Please accept our warmest condolences to you and your family. Truly sorry for your loss. All our thoughts and prayers are for you to experience heavenly strength and peace during this painful time.
Love, Nanay Rita, Jojie, Jesse, Joy, Dona, Lilibeth, Ashley, Logan & kfc.
We are sadden by Jim’s passing. Our prayers are with your family. We remember all the good times we had especially the card games.
Lorraine, Guy and Bret, sending our sincere sympathy to all your family. I just watched the memorial video and went through all your wonderful photos. Jim was a lucky man who had a good family and so many very good friends. We love you all and share so many good memories of our times together through the years. Take care and know our thoughts are with you. Love from Chippewa Falls from Chuck, Mary, Jolene and Brandon, Nicole and Corbin Ruf.
Dear Lorraine, Sending my sympathy in the loss of your dear husband. I did not know him, but he must have been a wonderful man. I remember you from the years that you were in our circle at St Joseph Church. They were good years and you brought much laughter to our group. May you find the beautiful memories of your dear husband, James, bring you consellation, and may his soul rest in peace.
Lorraine, Guy, and Brett,
You all were a second family for me and I love each of you. I have great memories of Jim, he was a kind and generous man. He taught me many things and made me a better person; we had such great discussions about life, God, religion, children, education, the world of cosmetology, business, and the list goes on… I think of Jim often, he is a part of me, I will never forget all he did for me. I/we were blessed to have had him be a part of our lives. Please keep in touch: 13896 215 Ave Fergus Falls MN 56537, edgertonk@campbell.k12.mn.us
Kyle J. Edgerton
Dear Lorraine & family, I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I was trying to figure out how to tell you & finally ended up googling his obit. This has been a horrific year with Jim, Jerry Sr & my dear sis-in-law Linda passing, it’s so terribly sad! I know you have so many good memories as do I & I pray they will help to make you stronger every day. I enjoyed so many good times with you & Jim & I cherish those memories so much! Take care Lorraine & God Bless. Love to you, Fran(Easter)Fetters